A $400 Million Auction Event Sotheby’s has secured one of the most high-profile consignments of the year: $400 million in art from the collection of Leonard Lauder, the late philanthropist and cosmetics magnate who passed away in July at age 92. The works will headline Sotheby’s November sales in New York, which are set to …
Masterworks from Leonard Lauder Collection, Including $150M Klimt, Head to Sotheby’s
A $400 Million Auction Event
Sotheby’s has secured one of the most high-profile consignments of the year: $400 million in art from the collection of Leonard Lauder, the late philanthropist and cosmetics magnate who passed away in July at age 92. The works will headline Sotheby’s November sales in New York, which are set to inaugurate the auction house’s new space in the former Whitney Museum building.
Klimt Takes Center Stage
The undisputed star of the Lauder consignment is Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer (1914–16), valued at more than $150 million. This rare, full-length portrait is one of the few still privately held, and it is widely expected to shatter Klimt’s auction record.
That record was set in 2023 when Dame mit Fächer (Lady with a Fan) sold for $108.4 million at Sotheby’s in London. If expectations hold, the Lederer portrait could redefine Klimt’s position in the global art market.
More Klimts to Sell
The sale also includes two major Klimt landscapes:
- A meadow scene from 1906 – est. $80–100 million
- A forest view from 1917 – est. $70–90 million
Together, these works highlight Klimt’s versatility and ensure his strong presence in the November sale.
Beyond Klimt
Lauder’s collection spans a wide range of modern masters. Highlights include:
- Six bronzes by Henri Matisse – collectively valued at $30 million
- A painting by Edvard Munch – est. $20 million
- An Agnes Martin work – valued at more than $10 million
In total, 55 artworks from Lauder’s holdings will cross the block, promising one of the most significant sales in recent auction history.
Lauder’s Legacy
Leonard Lauder was not only a billionaire collector but also a longtime trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art (1977–2011) and its chairman emeritus until his death. His role in shaping institutional collections and his personal acquisitions made him a key figure in 20th-century art patronage.
Market Context
The announcement of the Lauder sale comes at a turbulent time for Sotheby’s. The Guardian recently reported that the auction house lost $248 million, fueling debate about the state of the global art market.
Despite challenges, Sotheby’s CEO expressed confidence, telling The New York Times:
“I think we’re going to make history with this collection. It will be something talked about for a long time.”
FAQs
1. When will the Leonard Lauder Collection be auctioned?
The sale takes place during Sotheby’s November auctions in New York.
2. What is the most valuable piece in the sale?
Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, estimated at over $150 million.
3. How many Klimts are included?
Three: the Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer and two landscapes, valued at $70–100 million each.
4. What other artists are represented?
Henri Matisse, Edvard Munch, and Agnes Martin, among others.
5. How many artworks are included in total?
About 55 works from Leonard Lauder’s holdings.
6. Where will the auction be held?
At Sotheby’s newly opened space in the former Whitney Museum building, designed by Marcel Breuer.
Conclusion
The Leonard Lauder Collection sale at Sotheby’s promises to be a landmark event in the art world. With a Klimt portrait expected to set new records and a roster of masterpieces from Matisse, Munch, and Martin, the auction could reshape market expectations for 2025.
Despite uncertainties in the global art economy, this $400 million sale underscores the enduring power of world-class collections to captivate both institutions and private buyers.
